KC Scout Shout!

In late October, KHP's Motorist Assist Operators and MoDOT's Emergency Response Operators met for a bi-state Traffic Incident Management training at MoDOT's Emergency Response building in downtown Kansas City.  These types of training help responders learn to tackle various incidents on KC metro roadways both safely and efficiently. The attendees covered a variety of tasks including responder safety, safe and quick clearance procedures, and interoperable communications. Additionally, they discussed best traffic incident management practices, innovations such as JAWS, and general sharing of ideas.   According to KC Scout's Incident Coordinator,  Marcus Slaughter, this bi-state training was the first of its kind but they plan to make it an annual event. "We are hoping to have these trainings two to three times a year," explains Slaughter.   These types of trainings are important for a number of reasons, specifically for teamwork and peer exchange. Accordin...

Ride-alongs with Emergency Response operators have returned to KC Scout after previously being suspended due to the severity of the Covid-19 pandemic. Ride- alongs provide firsthand experience and insight into the challenges and gratification that Emergency Response staff encounter s on a daily basis.  According to Traffic Systems Supervisor, Kelly Alvarez, the ride-alongs are traditionally completed by newer TMC (Traffic Management Center) operators, however, all KC Scout personnel are encouraged to participate. "Ride-alongs provide operators with a rare cross-training experience while also allowing our Emergency Response operators and TMC operators to meet face to face. It's vital that our newer operators gain an understanding of what it is like to be a first responder in order to do their job effectively," Alvarez explains.  While the TMC operators and Emergency Respon der operators share the same end game, the two roles are very different from one anoth er. ...